Intro to Asian American History Class Explores South Asian Culture and Heritage in NYC

Recently, Berkeley Carroll’s Intro to Asian American History class visited the New York Historical Society to experience the exhibition The New York Sari and enjoy lunch together at a local South Indian dosa restaurant.

The New York Sari showcases the deep influence of South Asians on New York City’s cultural landscape, celebrating how individuals draw strength from tradition while shaping a more inclusive and progressive future. The exhibition “centers the sari as an essential part of the cultural fabric of New York City,” using it as a metaphor for how South Asian New Yorkers balance tradition, culture, and modernity in their art, work, and daily lives.

This trip connected directly to the class’s study of Asian American immigration, particularly recent lessons on East and South Asian communities. By engaging with the stories and artistry of South Asian New Yorkers, students gained a deeper understanding of the ways immigrant experiences and cultural expression continue to shape the city’s diverse identity.

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